Caldwell drops game one to Lincoln

Caldwell County Post 29 dropped a 12-7 decision to Lincoln County Post 455 in game one of the second round of the Area IV playoffs on Wednesday in Granite Falls.

“They (Lincoln) came to play tonight and just outscored us,” said Caldwell head coach Brandon Banks. “Our kids fought back and played hard just like they have all year. I’m real proud of our effort.”

Lincoln jumped all over Caldwell, scoring the first seven runs of the game, including a three-run home run by Nathaniel Scoggins in the top half of the third inning. Randal Ortiz also provided some offense with a two-RBI double to left field in the second inning.

The 29ers finally got on the board in the fifth inning. AJ Watson hit a two-run double to score Aaron Moore and Trevor Beane. Watson came in to score on an RBI single by Nick Horning to cut the deficit to 7-3.

Post 29 trailed 10-3 heading to the bottom of the eighth, but would not go away quietly. John Austin reached on an error to lead off the inning and Taylor Purus followed with a walk. Zac Walker then delivered with a two-RBI single. Walker later scored on a sacrifice fly by Grayam Austin. After back-to-back walks by Moore and Beane, Watson hit his second double of the game to score Moore to make the score 10-7.

The Lincoln Cardinals added two more insurance runs in the ninth inning. Clay Hodges tripled and scored on an RBI double by Danny Sullivan. Sullivan came in to score on an RBI single by Bradley Hallman.

In the bottom of the ninth, Purus hit a one-out triple to deep right field, but was left stranded.

The series now shifts over to Lincoln County for game two tonight at East Lincoln High School. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

“Don’t count us out just yet,” Banks said. “I guarantee we come out hungry tomorrow and give them everything we got.”